Every year, food lovers across the United States (and beyond) celebrate National Cheeseburger Day with joy, fries, and lots of melted cheese. In 2025, this tasty day falls on Thursday, September 18. It’s the perfect excuse to sink your teeth into one of America’s most iconic comfort foods — the cheeseburger.
But how did this food holiday begin? Why do people celebrate it? And what’s the story behind the invention of the cheeseburger? Let’s find out.
The Origin of the Cheeseburger
The cheeseburger is one of the most beloved American creations, but its exact origin has been debated for decades.
- 1920s: Many food historians trace the cheeseburger back to the 1920s.
- 1924: A young chef named Lionel Sternberger, working at his father’s sandwich shop called The Rite Spot in Pasadena, California, is said to have first added a slice of American cheese to a hamburger. Customers loved it, and the “cheeseburger” was born.
- 1935: The name “cheeseburger” was officially trademarked by a restaurant in Denver, Colorado called Humpty Dumpty Drive-In.
From California to Colorado, the cheeseburger spread like wildfire and quickly became a staple on diner menus across the United States.
History of National Cheeseburger Day
National Cheeseburger Day is not as old as the cheeseburger itself, but it has grown into a fun food holiday celebrated every year on September 18.
- The exact year it started is unclear, but it gained popularity in the late 20th century when fast-food chains and food bloggers began promoting it.
- Over time, it became a widely recognized “national day,” celebrated by burger restaurants, fast-food giants, and home cooks alike.
- Today, big chains like McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, Five Guys, and Shake Shack often offer special discounts, free burgers, or limited-edition cheeseburgers to mark the day.
How People Celebrate National Cheeseburger Day
- Restaurant Deals:
Major fast-food and dine-in burger chains run offers like “Buy one, get one free,” free cheeseburgers with an app order, or $1 cheeseburgers.
- Homemade Cheeseburgers:
Foodies experiment at home with creative toppings — from classic cheddar and bacon to gourmet styles with brie, avocado, or spicy jalapeños.
- Social Media Buzz:
Instagram, TikTok, and X (Twitter) get flooded with burger selfies, creative recipes, and food challenge videos.
- Food Challenges:
Some restaurants host contests to eat the biggest cheeseburger or the most cheeseburgers in a limited time.
Fun Facts About Cheeseburgers
- World’s Largest Cheeseburger: In 2012, a casino in Minnesota made a cheeseburger weighing 2,014 pounds, setting a world record.
- Cheese Choices: While American cheese is the classic choice, cheddar, Swiss, pepper jack, blue cheese, and gouda are also popular.
- Burger Consumption: Americans eat nearly 50 billion burgers every year, and a large percentage of them are cheeseburgers.
- Double vs. Single: The double cheeseburger became a fast-food phenomenon after being popularized in the 1930s and ’40s.
Cheeseburger Around the World
Though it’s an American creation, cheeseburgers are loved worldwide:
- Japan: Known for creative toppings like teriyaki sauce, fried egg, or even shrimp.
- India: Many chains offer vegetarian cheeseburgers made with paneer, potato, or soy patties.
- Middle East: Often feature lamb or chicken patties with yogurt-based sauces.
- Europe: Gourmet versions with artisanal cheeses and organic meats are very popular.
Why We Love National Cheeseburger Day
National Cheeseburger Day is more than just about food — it’s about culture. The cheeseburger represents:
- Innovation: A simple twist (adding cheese) created an entirely new classic dish.
- Community: Families and friends come together over burgers at barbecues and diners.
- Nostalgia: From roadside diners to backyard cookouts, cheeseburgers remind us of fun times.
National Cheeseburger Day 2025 Quick Facts
- Date: September 18, 2025 (Thursday)
- Celebrated in: Primarily the U.S., but recognized globally
- Origin: 1920s, Pasadena, California (Lionel Sternberger credited)
- First Trademark: 1935, Humpty Dumpty Drive-In, Denver, Colorado
- Modern Celebration: Restaurant deals, home cooking, social media, food challenges
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